I arrived in NY Friday afternoon to begin a weekend evangelism conference. As the music continued playing I felt the urge to go up and worship at the altar. As I was kneeling, I was hit with a wave of emotions. My eyes were closed, and my hands were lifted as the Lord revealed a vision of a lake. It was dark, the water was choppy and I saw a boat coming out through the fog. It was storming, and as the waves became more intense the boat was tossed relentlessly. As the wind picked up, there was a sudden flash of lightning and the boat immediately caught fire as it was struck.
I began to see people jumping from the boat into the dark and violent water of the lake. I saw children drowning. I saw people trying desperately to cling to the base of the ship. I smelled flesh burning. I saw people crying out in agony. The looks on their faces were terrifying.
My gaze shifted to the middle of the lake. There was Jesus. Walking on the water. Calmly, swiftly, walking toward the ship, toward the fire and toward everyone who needed His help.
He held out His hand offering salvation. Many turned their backs, acting as if they couldn’t even see Him. Acting as if He couldn’t save them. Do you trust me? Those who said yes and reached for His hand began to walk on the same water they nearly drown in moments before. Those who believed in Him were saved from the chaos that could have easily been their demise.
“Don’t go down with the ship” I heard Him speak to my spirit. Then He put on my heart that this entire world is just like a ship on fire. At one point each and every one of our lives wil stop. We have the ability to accept the help offered to us, ensuring salvation through Jesus Christ; or we have the choice to ignore His call, reject His help, and drown in our mess for the rest of our time on earth as we pretend He doesn’t exist.
There are millions of people who will end up in Hell one day and who will be shocked to find themselves there. I know because I lived like one of them for years. I was clinging to the ship, the world, it’s ways, it’s twisted, wicked ways and expecting the Lord to bless me in the process. I was going down with the ship, as a Christian who believed I was going to Heaven. Little did I know the profound difference between believing Jesus exists, and knowing Him. It’s one thing to believe a family member exists on this earth, it’s a completely different thing to have a relationship with that person by interacting with them, talking with them, spending time with them, respecting and honoring them etc… Do you believe in Jesus or do you know Jesus enough to get out of that boat and walk on water before you’re destroyed by the works of your flesh? Your own stubbornness? Are you going to stand by and watch your children drown, or are you going to equip them to walk on water with the Lord?
I caution you to think about where you stand with the Lord. Where you would be in this scenario? Do not go down with the ship.
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Psalms 112:7 - He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
Mark 5:36 - As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
Psalms 9:10 - And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Romans 12:19 - Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Matthew 14:23-36
23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick; 36 and they pleaded with Him that they might just touch the border of His cloak; and all who touched it were cured.
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